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Itinerary
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Old Edwards Inn and Spa
Begin your mountain escape in Highlands, where the European style Old Edwards Inn offers a perfect blend of luxury and tranquility. Unwind in the serenity solarium, complete with soothing fountains and a stone fireplace, before indulging in an immersive bath ritual or the ultimate four-hands massage, where two therapists work in harmony to melt away tension. Take a dip in the dual outdoor mineral pools or simply relax in a chaise lounge and let the mountain air rejuvenate you.
Gorges State Park
Press the mental reset button at Sapphire’s Gorges State Park, a temperate rain forest where waterfalls exude negative ions that yield positive effects on the mind and mood. The Rainbow Falls Trail leads to a massive 150-foot-tall cataract — look for a rainbow dancing in its mist. Want more? Keep heading upriver to Turtleback Falls, Drift Falls and Hidden Falls. See them all in just under a 4-mile round-trip.
Lakeview at Fontana
Finish your first day at Lakeview at Fontana, a tranquil retreat near Bryson City where relaxation comes with stunning forest and lake views. Indulge in their signature treetop soaking cabana, where you can soak in a warm tub while overlooking the lush canopy below. Stay the night and explore wooded trails, unwind with an aromatic hot towel massage or center yourself in a yoga class. Or simply lounge on the deck with a good book and take in the serene beauty of Fontana Lake.
Salt Spa of Asheville and Himalayan Salt Cave Sanctuary
Settle into an antigravity chair in a cool, glowing room encased in 5 tons of rock salt crystals — then just breathe. The Salt Spa of Asheville and Himalayan Salt Cave Sanctuary uses halotherapy to release trace minerals into the air, which promotes freer breathing and deep relaxation. After a peaceful session in the cave, indulge in various forms of massage.
Hot Springs Resort and Spa
Join a centuries-old tradition at Hot Springs Resort & Spa where travelers have been “taking the waters” since the 1790s. Let stress melt away in a private open-air cabana, where you can soak in naturally heated, mineral-rich waters packed with magnesium and other healing properties. With the soothing sounds of nature and the gentle rush of the French Broad River nearby.
Namaste in Nature
Start your morning with a soul-refreshing blend of hiking, yoga and meditation with Namaste in Nature in Asheville. Choose a leisurely trek to 100-foot Catawba Falls or a scenic hike along the Appalachian Trail, where expert guides will lead you through gentle yoga flows and guided meditation surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Disconnect from your screen and fully immerse yourself in nature, knowing you’ll still take home beautiful photos captured by the guides.
South Mountain State Park
If you’ve seen "A River Runs Through It," you know there’s zen in fly-fishing. North Carolina has 4,000 miles of flowing water that support trout — more than any other Southeast state. Get your casting four-count rhythm in sync on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail. If you only have time for one stop on the trail, try Panthertown Creek, where groves of eastern hemlock and yellow birch shelter quiet pools. Trout also fill the waters of Burke County. Cast a line at the creeks within South Mountains State Park near Connelly Springs.
Art of Living Retreat Center
Finish your weekend with self-care at the Art of Living Retreat Center, an epicenter for inner change. Campus views of the Blue Ridge Mountains will help quiet your mind, but you’ll also learn breathing and meditation techniques, practice yoga, hear talks on philosophy and spirituality, and spend time in the pottery studio. Meals are prepared with organic produce grown on-site.
Find more ways to relax and recharge in The Official 2025 North Carolina Travel Guide.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Old Edwards Inn and Spa
Stop 2
Gorges State Park
Stop 3
Lakeview at Fontana
Stop 4
Salt Spa of Asheville and Himalayan Salt Cave Sanctuary
Stop 5
Hot Springs Resort and Spa
Stop 6
Namaste in Nature
Stop 7
South Mountain State Park
Stop 8